Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Foreword
- Foreword
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- 1 Historical Origins of Catatonia
- 2 Different Conceptual Frameworks of Catatonia
- 3 Phenomenology and Subjective Experience of Catatonia: Clinical Cases
- 4 Epidemiology of Catatonia
- 5 Clinical Manifestation, Complexity of Catatonic Symptoms, Differential Diagnoses, and Potential Somatic Consequences
- 6 Clinical, Laboratory, and Neuroimaging Assessments Relevant for the Diagnostic Work-Up of Catatonia
- 7 Management and Treatment of Catatonia
- 8 Outcome and Course of Catatonia
- 9 Most Common Neuroinflammatory Origins of Catatonia
- 10 Brain Networks Underlying Catatonia
- 11 Breaking New Ground: Novel Approaches to Understanding Catatonia and the Brain–Mind Relationship
- Index
6 - Clinical, Laboratory, and Neuroimaging Assessments Relevant for the Diagnostic Work-Up of Catatonia
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 July 2025
Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Foreword
- Foreword
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- 1 Historical Origins of Catatonia
- 2 Different Conceptual Frameworks of Catatonia
- 3 Phenomenology and Subjective Experience of Catatonia: Clinical Cases
- 4 Epidemiology of Catatonia
- 5 Clinical Manifestation, Complexity of Catatonic Symptoms, Differential Diagnoses, and Potential Somatic Consequences
- 6 Clinical, Laboratory, and Neuroimaging Assessments Relevant for the Diagnostic Work-Up of Catatonia
- 7 Management and Treatment of Catatonia
- 8 Outcome and Course of Catatonia
- 9 Most Common Neuroinflammatory Origins of Catatonia
- 10 Brain Networks Underlying Catatonia
- 11 Breaking New Ground: Novel Approaches to Understanding Catatonia and the Brain–Mind Relationship
- Index
Summary
In addition to the international classification systems such as DSM-5 and ICD-11 discussed in earlier chapters of this book, we will now introduce three further diagnostic steps essential for diagnosing catatonia: (1) clinical rating scales, (2) the lorazepam challenge test, and (3) laboratory and neuroimaging work-up. This chapter will first present the widely used clinical rating scales for assessing catatonia, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and their role in scientific studies. While these scales are valuable tools, it is important to emphasize that clinical judgment remains crucial, as some catatonic symptoms may not be fully captured by these scales. Following this, we will explore the lorazepam challenge test, evaluating its diagnostic utility in light of current evidence. Lastly, the chapter will discuss the importance of laboratory and neuroimaging work-ups, including blood tests, lumbar puncture to examine cerebrospinal fluid, electroencephalogram, and magnetic resonance imaging, for both diagnosing catatonia and guiding therapeutic decisions.
Keywords
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- Chapter
- Information
- CatatoniaA Practical Guide to a Clinical and Scientific Conundrum, pp. 79 - 94Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2025
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